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Nashville Then: July 1964

Nashville Then: July 1964. Construction crews work toward completing the basic structure for the 10-story Edgehill apartment for the elderly, center on July 1, 1964. Building plans call for 90 efficiency and 90 one-bedroom apartments. The building, located near Rose Park, is bounded by Twelfth Avenue South, Edgehill Avenue, Eleventh Avenue South and Horton Avenue.

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Nashville Then: July 1964

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Nashville Then: July 1964. Construction crews work toward completing the basic structure for the 10-story Edgehill apartment for the elderly, center on July 1, 1964. Building plans call for 90 efficiency and 90 one-bedroom apartments. The building, located near Rose Park, is bounded by Twelfth Avenue South, Edgehill Avenue, Eleventh Avenue South and Horton Avenue. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Construction crews work toward completing the basic structure for the
10-story Edgehill apartment for the elderly, center on July 1, 1964.
Building plans call for 90 efficiency and 90 one-bedroom apartments. The
building, located near Rose Park, is bounded by Twelfth Avenue South,
Edgehill Avenue, Eleventh Avenue South and Horton Avenue. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Construction workers near completion of the "shell" of the new Nashville Memorial Hospital on July 1, 1964, where some 211 beds will be available for general medical patients as well as patients in several specialized areas. A campaign is underway to raise more than $600,000 to cover expansion of the facility from 150 beds to 211 beds. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Construction workers near completion of the "shell" of the new Nashville Memorial Hospital July 1, 1964, where some 211 beds will be available for general medical patients as well as patients in several specialized areas. Officials decided it would be cheaper to build the larger facility now than be faced with the need for an immediate expansion. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

A historical residence that has long been a landmark at 1706 West End Ave., shown here July 1, 1964, was purchased by H.G. Hill Realty Co. for commercial development. While no price was announced, it is believed to have sold in the neighborhood of $125,000, based on other sales in the area. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Gerald Gimre, left, executive director of the Nashville Housing Authority, holds a silver tray presented him on the agency's 25th birthday July 1, 1964, during a luncheon honoring its longtime employees and former members. Looking on are Scott Fillebrown, center, chairman of the authority, and Mayor Beverly Briley. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

C.R. Dorrier, chairman of the first permanent Metro Board of Education, presides at the first official session of the nine-member body, which took over as the policy-making agency for public schools July 1, 1964. Hard at work are the Rev. Frank P. Grisham, left, vice chairman; Co-Superintendent J.E. Moss; Dorrier; and Co-Superintendent W.H. Oliver. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Armed with an American flag and the heftiest watermelon in sight, Roy Olson of Crestview Drive prepares on July 2, 1964, for the traditional July Fourth celebration and family picnics. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Inmates at the Metropolitan Workhouse celebrate the Fourth of July a day early on July 3, 1964, with a giant watermelon cutting and eating on the workhouse grounds. The men attack the melons in the traditional manner, eating right down to the rinds. Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

Seeking relief from the 90-degree temperatures, Middle Tennesseans take advantage of the Fourth of July holiday to flock to the shores of Old Hickory Lake and crowd the beaches and swimming areas on July 4, 1964. J.T. Phillips / The Tennessean

While Middle Tennesseans took advantage of the Fourth of July holiday by flocking to the beaches and swimming areas, Church Street in downtown Nashville had very little action on July 4, 1964. J.T. Phillips / The Tennessean

The Newspaper Printing Corp., on behalf of The Nashville Tennessean and Nashville Banner, placed an ad in the July 4, 1964, issue of The Tennessean to wish the readers a happy Fourth and that the retail merchants of Metro Nashville has lit the fuse on a host of bargains when the holiday it over. The Tennessean

Mac McWhorter, center, of the Red McEwen band, bellows out "Oh Mona" at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 5, 1964. Helping out McWhorter were Red McEwen, second from left; his wife, Mary Jane McEwen, third from left; and Pat Justice, third from right. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Douglas Ann Webb, 16, a freshman at Peabody College, performs for the crowd at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 5, 1964. The Discovery of the Week belted out "Lullaby of Birdland," "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Jennifer, left, and Joane Bills, a mother and daughter, do a routine from the show "Easter Parade" for the crowd at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 5, 1964. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Five of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Capley of Scenic View Drive cool their throats with ice cream July 6, 1964, in preparation for mass surgery to remove their collective tonsils. Capley said he had the option of spreading out the operations over a period of months or getting them all done at one time, and chose the latter. The children in Madison Hospital are Carol, left, 12, Montare, 11, Jack, 9, Charlene, 7, and Roger, 6. Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

Madison Brooks, second from right, head basketball coach at East Tennessee State University, diagrams a play on the blackboard during the opening session of the Peabody College coaching clinic on July 6, 1964. Watching are Don Knodel, left, Vanderbilt assistant coach; Jerry Brannon, Franklin High cage mentor; and Jimmy Earle, Martin College head basketball coach. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

The local Lion Dealers placed an ad in the July 7, 1964, issue of The Tennessean to promote a 4-piece place setting of International Silver's Stainless for just 99 cents with an 8-gallon purchase. The Tennessean

Dr. Edward Teller, center, an internationally known nuclear physicist, talks with Victor S. Johnson Jr., a Tennessee member of the Southern Interstate Nuclear Board, and Vanderbilt Chancellor Alexander Heard after a luncheon discussion July 10, 1964, in which Teller called for more emphasis on applied science in the United States. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

A view of 42 acres on Thompson Lane and Powell Ave. on July 10, 1964, that were in the plans disclosed for a gigantic shopping center set to be the largest in the Davidson County area. The sprawling center, with parking for between 3,000 and 4,000 cars and 300,000 and 400,000 of square footage, was planned to sit in between the Beaman Bottling Co., top, and the Baird-Ward Printing Co., bottom. Eldred Reaney / The Tennessean

As the summer months wear on, the lines on Saturday night in front of the Ryman Auditorium on Fifth Avenue North for the Grand Ole Opry, seen on July 11, 1964, get longer and longer. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

As the summer months wear on, the lines on Saturday night in front of
the Ryman Auditorium on Fifth Avenue North for the Grand Ole Opry, seen
on July 11, 1964, get longer and longer. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

The New Mountain Ramblers, The Nashville Tennessean's Discovery of the Week, perform during the newspaper's park concert at Centennial Park July 12, 1964. Members are Mike Jennings, Richard Northcutt, Kathy Bryson, Julie Pool and Ronny Bogle, all of Woodbury, Tenn. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

Roy Acuff, second from right, signs autographs for the fans after performing along with his Smoky Mountain Boys at The Nashville Tennessean's park concert in Centennial Park on July 12, 1964. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

Mrs. Guy Looney, right, a store employee in Green Hills Shopping Center, renews her acquaintance with Rep. and Senate candidate Ross Bass as he shakes hands campaigning at the center on July 13, 1964. Mrs. Looney knew Bass in Lawrenceburg and played golf with his wife. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

A pigeon takes time out from egg warming in her press box nest at the old Sulphur Dell baseball stadium for a bird's-eye view of the Babe Ruth tournament action going on July 13, 1964. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

Camille Harrison of American Airlines in Nashville displays a television set on July 15, 1964, similar to the ones being installed by the airline at the time. The set, with individual headphones for each passenger, offered the latest movies on coast-to-coast flights. The 9-inch screen television sets were being installed in all Astrojet passenger planes, with one set for every two passengers. Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

Dennis Williams, right, one of Rep. Ross Bass' most ardent backers in the congressman's campaign for the U.S. Senate, gives Bass' wife, Avanell, a big kiss after she treated him to thrilling rides at the Fair Park at the state fairgrounds on July 16, 1964. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Betty Burman, right, shows two beginners, Iris Foster, left, and Linda Knox of the National Life Insurance Company, the proper way to come to a stop while ice-skating on July 16, 1964. Summer ice-skating at Municipal Auditorium was rapidly becoming one of Nashville's top sports activities. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

A distinct odor in the air lured spectators to the rear of the Metro Police Station July 17, 1964, where Chief H.O. Kemp was ordering the destruction of more than 200 gallons of white corn whiskey. Kemp said the untaxed whiskey was confiscated in the last several weeks by members of the patrol division and the newly formed white whiskey squad. Also destroyed were a still and a slot machine confiscated in raids. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

Going through her routine in the women's tricks event, Birmingham's Janelle Kirtley shows off her form that won her a national championship as she performs in the Tennessee State Open Water Ski Championships at Old Hickory Lake on July 18, 1964. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

A giant crane, anchored by the weight of another one lashed to it, lifts a 95-foot, 2-inch steel truss, said to be the largest ever placed into a Nashville building in one piece, on July 19, 1964. Weighing 26,000 pounds, it was being placed atop the building adjacent to Jim Reed Chevrolet Co. for the Reed Company, which was adding a floor to the building. The present roof was to be removed and a new floor hung from the steelwork. Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

The Prophets Quartet of Knoxville performs for a jammed crowd of 10,000 at the seventh annual Down to Earth All Day gospel singing at the fairgrounds in Alexandria, Tenn., on July 19, 1964. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

The Johnson Sisters of Birmingham perform for a jammed crowd of 10,000 at the seventh annual Down to Earth All Day gospel singing at the fairgrounds in Alexandria, Tenn., on July 19, 1964. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

The singing LeFevres of Atlanta perform for a jammed crowd of 10,000 at the seventh annual Down to Earth All Day gospel singing at the fairgrounds in Alexandria, Tenn., on July 19, 1964. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

Ara Parseghian, right, Notre Dame's new head football coach, is greeted upon arriving at Berry Field July 22, 1964, by John Merritt, left, grid coach at Tennessee State, and Harvey Gentry, Tennessee State athletic director. Parseghian was in town to open the seventh annual Blue Ribbon Coaching Clinic at Tennessee State the next morning. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

John Wooden, center, coach of the UCLA national champions, compares notes with his fellow basketball lecturers at Tennessee State's Blue Ribbon Clinic on July 23, 1964. They are Harold Hunter, left, Tennessee State coach, and Cornelius Ridley of Pearl High School. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

Two of Nashville's finest prep athletes, Bill LaFevor, left, an Overton cager, and Terry Dalton, right, a Goodlettsville gridder, talk about the University of Tennessee's athletic program with head basketball coach Ray Mears during a UT alumni picnic at the Ellington Agriculture Center on July 24, 1964. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

U.S. Rep. Richard Fulton, right, talks to three young workers at a reelection reception held for him July 25, 1964, at Fidelity Federal Saving and Loan Association at 3001 Nolensville Road. They are Pam Melton, 7, of Melmack Drive; Patty Brown, 9, of Melmack Drive; and Carol Morrison, 10, of Clarksville. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Porter Wagoner, second from right, and his band, the Wagonmasters, play before a crowd of more than 5,000 at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 26, 1964. The Wagonmasters are Don Warden, Jack Little, George McCormick and Buck Trent. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

Norma Jean Beasler, center, performs with Porter Wagoner and his band before a crowd of more than 5,000 at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 26, 1964. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

Porter Wagoner has fun with someone in the audience as he performs with his band before a crowd of more than 5,000 at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert on July 26, 1964. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

Holiday on Ice placed an ad in the July 26, 1964, issue of the Tennessean to promote Morris Chalfen's World Famous 20th Anniversary edition of its show, coming to the Municipal Auditorium Aug. 20 and running through Aug. 25. The Tennessean

L&N Railroad workmen install retarders, mechanical devices for controlling the speeds of freight cars, on the tracks at Radnor Yards on July 28, 1964. The equipment, costing $93,000, is designed to improve efficiency of transferring freight cars from one train to another. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

A couple of L&N Railroad officials check the progress of installing retarders, mechanical devices for controlling the speeds of freight cars, on the tracks at Radnor Yards July 28, 1964. The equipment, costing $93,000, is designed to improve the efficiency of transferring freight cars from one train to another. Frank Empson / The Tennessean

Nashville puppeteer Tom Tichenor works on the English house July 28, 1964, that forms the focal point of his famous Christmas village in his second Christmas window for Macy's in New York. He was doing the work while on his summer vacation at his Thompson Lane home in Nashville. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Two station wagons, with water from a flash flood nudging upward almost to the windows, sit where they were trapped near a stalled truck, foreground, at the Tennessee Central Railway underpass on Eighth Avenue North on July 29, 1964. Floodwaters stalled cars and traffic in North and South Nashville as the storm blasted its way through town just after noon. Bill Preston / The Tennessean

Luis Gilbert, a Spanish-born singer and artist who was set to perform at the Nashville Tennessean Centennial Park concert, puts the finishing touches on a portrait of Audrey Williams and her late husband, Hank Williams, on July 29, 1964. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

Sister Mary Patrick, left, a superior of St. Mary's Orphanage on White Bridge Road, and five children from the orphanage look at the field on their grounds on July 30, 1964, where a mass was to be celebrated in honor of the orphanage's 100th anniversary. The orphanage, a diocesan agency staffed by Dominican sisters from St. Cecilia's Convent, was started in May 1864 to help children whose parents were Civil War victims. Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

A view of the two lanes of Old Hickory Boulevard from the Cumberland River, bottom, heading toward Gallatin Road, top, on July 30, 1964. There was a dispute at the time over two proposals to aid the traffic. The first was to widen the road to a four-lane divided highway; the other was to construct a two-lane road running along 400-600 yards of the main road. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

The Edgehill Home for the Elderly, center, at 12th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue was near completion on July 30, 1964. It was one of two low-rent housing projects providing a total of 401 units at an estimated cost of $5,631,000. The other project was on Shelby Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

Two sisters show their support for Rep. Ross Bass' run for the Democratic nomination for the seat of the late Sen. Estes Kefauver. Tish Hooker, left, and Louise Merritt make decorated donkey cookies on July 31, 1964, to be distributed in Belle Meade Plaza for a upcoming campaign event. Tish is the wife of John J. Hooker Jr. and Louise is the wife of Gilbert Merritt. Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

The Blair Academy of Music, a new academy of music to serve Nashville and Middle Tennessee, was set to open Sept. 12 in this building at 1208 18th Ave. S. John Friedel Sawyer, left, served as academy director. With him on July 31, 1964, are Dr. C.B. Hunt Jr., center, chairman of Peabody's School of Music, and George Hofer, who taught on the academy faculty and directed the new Peabody Demonstration School Orchestra. Jack Corn / The Tennessean

Officials from Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Police and the Civil Defense go over the map of a heavily wooded area near Brentwood on July 31, 1964. They were searching for a small private plane believed to be carrying Jim Reeves and piano player Dean Manuel that was reported down on a trip from Batesville, Ark. Jim Preston / The Tennessean

Officials from Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Police and the Civil Defense go over the assignments of search areas of the heavily wooded area near Brentwood on July 31, 1964. They were searching for a small private plane believed to be carrying Jim Reeves and piano player Dean Manuel that was reported down on a trip from Batesville, Ark. Jim Preston / The Tennessean

Civil Defense officials and volunteers go over their search areas of the heavily wooded area near Brentwood on July 31, 1964. They were searching for a small private plane believed to be carrying Jim Reeves and piano player Dean Manuel that was reported down on a trip from Batesville, Ark. Jim Preston / The Tennessean

Volunteers go into a heavily wooded area near Brentwood July 31, 1964, as they search for a small private plane believed to be carrying Jim Reeves and piano player Dean Manuel that was reported down on a trip from Batesville, Ark. Jim Preston / The Tennessean